Why did he keep bringing up Blake? It was exhausting. Knowing Caden's temperament, she decided against arguing, knowing it would only inflame his anger. She took a breath and softened her approach.

“I’m opening a branch in Rozand. I plan to send Mr. Langstaff there. Will that be acceptable, Mr. Ward?”

Caden's jaw clenched. “No. I want him out of your gallery completely, and it’s non-negotiable.”

Alicia's expression fell. “Why do you have to be so unreasonable? What’s the big deal? Will your gallery fall apart without him?”

Ever since Blake had tested his patience at Joy Mansion, Caden had decided Blake had to go. If Alicia hadn't been so insistent, he wouldn't have allowed him to remain in Warrington a moment longer.

He leaned over and fastened her seatbelt, the movement cold and deliberate. The gesture reminded Alicia of their last misunderstanding—the genesis of their current conflict. She pushed down her irritation and spoke calmly.

“That day, I was in an awkward position, and Mr. Langstaff helped me with the seatbelt. Nothing more.”

Caden's expression eased slightly. He held her close, their faces inches apart, the air charged with tension. Before either could think, he kissed her.

“Did Blake really do that that day?”

Alicia bit her lip, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “As I said before, nothing else happened.”

She had just been kissed, her breath unsteady, her lips flushed—a siren luring him in. Caden hadn’t touched her for days. His desire burned fiercely, his longing increasingly difficult to conceal. When he kissed her, his tongue sought hers, tasting a sweetness that seeped deep into his heart, igniting a yearning within him.

But Caden didn't push further. Instead, he held her gaze, frowned, and asked, “Does fastening a seatbelt really take that long? I saw you two leaning against each other for a solid half-minute.”

Alicia ground her teeth in silence. Though his tone was maddening, his presence was irresistible. Still breathless, she turned her face away.

“It wasn’t half a minute! You’re just making things up!”

“Then why did you let him buckle your seatbelt?” Caden asked, his displeasure clear. “Have you ever seen me do that for any woman?”

Alicia stared, incredulous. “It’s just a seatbelt, Caden. It’s called common courtesy. Why are you making such a big deal?”

Caden felt himself losing control. Was it really that significant? He couldn't explain why these small things set him off. Yet, frustration mounted until he felt he might tear the place apart when he recalled that scene.